Acrylic thinners

[sadoldgit]

Hi Guys,

I have recently returned to modelling after many,years. I have recently retired and thought it would be a nice to get back into the hobby.

My question is this, can you make your own acrylic thinner using water and I P A.

Many thanks.

[vimal_indrasoma]

 I've used plain water, IPA and mixtures of both with Revell and Humbrol acrylics with resonable results while airbrushing.

Tamiya seems, and smells different - probably needs it's own thinner, though I've watered down the Smoke colour for washes on occasion.

[John Symmons]

Hi Sadoldgit

Most makers of Acrylic paints also market their own thinners and that is probably the safest way to go as a start. I’ve found that most makes of Acrylic paints can be thinned reasonably well with ordinary water, (Airfix, Revel, Tamiya & Vallejo.) I’ve found that adding a touch of Meths to the water also helps. If using the coloured variety of Meths only use with the darker colours as it can change the hue of lighter coloured paints, in that case I use pure Methanol. Meths and Methanol is also very good at cleaning air-brushes and ordinary brushes, as I’ve found it removes more colour than plain water.

Just be careful in using one brand of thinners with a different brand of paint as some modellers have had compatibility problems. (See simular threads on this forum.) If your unsure just experiment first before committing your mix to your latest build. If you do make a mistake, I’ve found that Meths and or Methanol together with a little elbow grease will remove most usual brands of dried Acrylic paint, without damaging the plastic surface of the model. Just remember to observe the usual safety precautions when using Meths and or Methanol.

Hope this helps. Remember we do this for fun John the Pom.

[sadoldgit]

Hi Sadoldgit

Most makers of Acrylic paints also market their own thinners and that is probably the safest way to go as a start. I’ve found that most makes of Acrylic paints can be thinned reasonably well with ordinary water, (Airfix, Revel, Tamiya & Vallejo.) I’ve found that adding a touch of Meths to the water also helps. If using the coloured variety of Meths only use with the darker colours as it can change the hue of lighter coloured paints, in that case I use pure Methanol. Meths and Methanol is also very good at cleaning air-brushes and ordinary brushes, as I’ve found it removes more colour than plain water.

Just be careful in using one brand of thinners with a different brand of paint as some modellers have had compatibility problems. (See simular threads on this forum.) If your unsure just experiment first before committing your mix to your latest build. If you do make a mistake, I’ve found that Meths and or Methanol together with a little elbow grease will remove most usual brands of dried Acrylic paint, without damaging the plastic surface of the model. Just remember to observe the usual safety precautions when using Meths and or Methanol.

Hope this helps. Remember we do this for fun John the Pom.

 

[sadoldgit]

Thanks guys,

Think I will experiment with water to start with and see how that goes. If I don't have a lot of luck I'll try a drop of Meths.